Though it’s a hard pill for some to swallow, the reality is not every woman wants children. There are women who live a full, rewarding and fulfilling life without ever having given birth.

A new study, published in The Journal of Marriage and Family, scientifically supports this truth. It found that although women may feel social pressure to reproduce, those who don’t show little distress about their lifestyle. The takeaway? It is very possible to be childless and happy.

Still, despite the study’s findings, most women feel compelled to have children and beat their “biological clock” due to social constructs. Generally, when we see an adult woman without children, we are socialized to pity her. Assumptions are made about her reproductive abilities (it can’t be that she’s simply chosen not to have children). She’s seen as lacking substance and purpose in her life, as she’s never had that the privilege of being called a mother. These assessments are unfair. A woman’s worth is not just her ability to give birth.

Motherhood is indeed a beautiful thing, but it ain’t for everybody. And women shouldn’t be made to feel inadequate if they don’t choose to bear children, especially when, as the study proves, they can be completely fulfilled and content with their lifestyle without kids. Now that science has caught on, hopefully, the rest of society will too.

What’s your opinion, Clutchettes? Do you think women of a certain age are pressured to become mothers? Why won’t society embrace the idea of being childless and satisfied?

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I’m glad to read an article giving an alternative opinion, women who are childless, happier and less stressed out. Children are not a walk in the park.

Also with the way this society is setup, its very stressful to raise children. Alot of women are opting out. If you’re having a hard time paying your rent/mortgage because of this economy, imagine trying to raise kids?! No thanks. I’m in my mid-twenties trying to make ends meet after graduating college. Maybe I’ll think of kids in 10 years.

My colleagues at work:
– One has two children, and has been divorced a long time
– One has one child from an ex wife, remarried & had another kid, then separated from that wife.
– Another has 2 kids. He & his wife separated. Lack of sex life… Tried living together again, then divorced. Now due to financial problems live platonically together again.
– Another has 2 kids and divorced a long time ago.
– another, 3 kids and divorced a long time ago.
Two others are just starting out with young families. Seem optomistic and happy.
A friend has a young child. His wife had to also get a job. She works weekends and weeknights. They take turns taking care of their child and chores and rarely see each other. He loves his kid and wife, but is tired and frustrated.
Another has a young child. He loves his child, but while having a few beers told me he now truly dislikes his wife. She is not fun or pleasant anymore, he said.

My wife and I are happy being childless. Snuggling, walk hand in hand. Travel